Beyond Size: Reconsidering How to Evaluate Dental Provider Networks

Employers, and therefore brokers and consultants, often put their emphasis on the size of the provider network when selecting between dental benefits plans.  Many people consider network size as  a primary determinant of the plan’s value – thinking that the larger the network, the greater the employee access and overall savings.  However, that simplistic approach may ultimately be shortchanging your clients and their employees.

“While a large network is important because of  the potential for greater access, choice and  savings it may provide to employees, it is important to actually do calculations to see if the potential for value can become the reality,” notes Alan Hirschberg, vice president, MetLife Dental Products. “One should take a closer look at whether the combination of network size and the negotiated fees with each dentist are actually driving value and savings for employers and employees.”